Yes, it may happen again this summer, another Hollywood union strike - this time the movie crews. The International Brotherhood of the Teamsters' contract expires on July 31st and already the issues surrounding the negotiations are heating up.
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| O'Brien at Teamsters' Solidarity Rally on 3/3/24 |
In a recent rally, more than 2,000 film crew members gathered to pledge their support for a strike if their demands are not met by the film producers. "We are not afraid to strike, says Sean O'Brien, President of the Teamsters, "if these greedy corporations - whether it's Amazon, Netflix, Sony, or Disney - if they choose not to reward our members, they are putting themselves on strike. We will put them on their backs, on their knees, begging for mercy."
O'Brien built a national reputation in dealing with UPS and FedEx last year. This year's negotiations, with the Hollywood film producers and streamers, will focus on wage increases and quality of life issues (hours worked, meals, and turnaround times). At 1.3 million strong and with an additional 500,000 retired (but active members) the Teamsters have a lot of clout. And, O'Brien has told them that they will need "to put their helmets on in this battle with Hollywood".
The movie industry is still recuperating from the impact of last summer's strikes which brought movie production to standstill and is still not at full strength.
I'm hoping a peaceful settlement will be made and a shut-down avoided, the industry, particularly the exhibition side of the business, can ill afford another strike.
By: Jim Lavorato, Entertainment Equipment Corp.
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